Chapter 167 - Confronting Richard's Parents (5)

28 January, Municipal Courthouse, City K

Having quietly observed what was happening, Warrant Officer Wang interrupted the discussion Matthew was having with Lieutenant Li, "Sir, you need to…"

"I have observed what has been happening. My wife will not forgive me if I race in there to protect her. She will want to deal with that herself, and if I step in to constantly defend her, it will feed into her former in-law's prejudices. Just keep a watch and if their behaviour gets worse, step in to protect her."

As Warrant Officer Wang turned both around Lieutenant Li said "Sir, you know you can step in."

"I do, but as I said, my actions will only feed into their prejudices. impacting my wife and Dominic.

That is something I do not want to do. But in the end, if it is so bad I will. But the two of you know that it is a reasonable and lawful request." After seeing two nods, Matthew turned directly to Lieutenant Li and said "Lieutenant, I can have you reassigned here if you think it is appropriate."

"It would be preferable, Sir. I can always go elsewhere, temporarily, if needed for legal matters. But, I

If I am needed elsewhere for legal matters I can temporarily go. More importantly I need some more training hours up and …"

"You would like to do them here. I will see to it later. However, before everyone starts to disappear, get the information you need to start the clearance process."

"Yes Sir." With that Lieutenant Li moved away, and Matthew turned to observe what was happening between Lexi and her former in-laws.

Lexi, having received another slap from Richard's mother paused so not to immediately react. She knew her well enough as an immediate reaction was what she was after. Taking a few deep breaths, Lexi paused to calm down, before saying "You have no idea on anything."

"I know the truth."

Immediately Lexi decided she needed to joke and responded, "To quote from the movie A Few Good Men 'You carn't handle the truth'."

"Stop trying to be a troublemaker. You should respect your elders."

"Mother I do, but you want to behave like this, then you do not deserve my respect. You and I both know Richard had an affair with the woman who died with him in the car accident. You helped them throughout our marriage carry on their affair, and you want to talk to me about morals."

Lexi paused, shook her head and added "You have no right. At least with my family Dominic knows he is loved and cared for and understand that not everyone is the same. And as to parenting Dominic, even when I was not here, I was active in Dominic's life. I always dealt with issues and ensured that I could develop my skills to financially support Dominic.."

"I only relied on the trust fund my grandparents left me for the first twelve months after Richard's death to do that. Yet, what have you done. Kept all the income from the inheritance Richard left to support him based on the clause that said if it was not needed you could use the income. You have paid for nothing. Who takes the responsibilities seriously? As to teaching him right from wrong, that has been a constant for my family."

"You, you…"

"Me what, mother," retorted Lexi, finally enjoying standing up to her former mother-in-law, knowing that there was someone who had her back. Yes, it was a problem it was Matthew but hopefully this whole process would allow her to escape from some of their oppressive actions over the years.

"You b*tch, you have defied your father and Richard's wishes for your son, and now you are doing everything to prevent what is right from happening."

"Language, mother."

"Do not be snippy with me."

"I am not. We are in a court house. You wanted to force my hand, because I told you a couple of weeks ago that for a few weeks your visits with Dominic would be limited to allow him to adapt to all the changes in his life. Your response was that you were entitled to whatever you wanted and were not willing to negotiate, despite my willingness to do so."

Then you decided to act like this. I suspect, that was your call mother, rather than yours father," with that Lexi looked directly at Richard's father "but you both have gone this path. You knew my husband was in the military and referred to that fact in your court doc.u.ments. But there are consequences to that decision. Your security screenings are one of those. And before you say anything, that is not my choice, but dictated by the circ.u.mstances."

"You know what Richard wanted, and you defy him even in death."

"Defying him. If you want to see it like that, but his will contained what he wanted for Dominic. I am still alive, and I am his mother. What I want is just as important has what he wanted. Plus, I am here. Just because you do not get what you want when you want it, do not blame me. You just must accept your actions have consequences. Now, I have more important things to do that waste my time with you. I will talk to Chester about arrangements for you to see Dominic as us talking presently will achieve nothing."

With that, Lexi turned and started to head towards Matthew. Presently he was the best of the two bad options she had. As she started to move away, she heard Richard's parents cursing under her breath at her. She stopped and turned back "If you have something to say, say it to my face."

"Just wait until the media are informed."

"Just try. You heard the judge, that not only will be contempt of court, but we will end up in a military court."

"Are you threatening us."

"No. just reminding you of what the judge said. If you want, do it, but I will press for your time with Dominic to be limited and controlled. I will win."

"You will not. We will win, as the court will protect Richard's legacy."

"Whatever. I am not going to waste my time dealing with you now, as all we will do is argue. I have a business to run, and my husband must get back to his career. What do you have to do? Go and spend the money you have from Dominic's inheritance when he turns eighteen." Lexi quickly moved over to Matthew and said "Can you get me out of here. Despite them being Dominic's grandparents, I do not want to deal with them further as I will regret what I say."

"Come on, let us go." With that he escorted Lexi out of the courthouse, with Warrant Officer Wang trailing behind them.

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